DE event in Nashville last weekend, first on-track time eith the 914 Options

[don9146]

BMW is playing on the Mini's history by using Phil Wix (who used to be a factory driver for Mini back in the 1960's and was even the stunt driver in the red Mini in the original The Italian Job) to put on driver's ed events at tracks around the country. He recently moved to Nashville and put on his first school at the Nashville Superspeedway’s combination oval and road course. In addition to several Minis in attendance, the school also had the local Corvette club and the Nashville PCA bring their cars to the track as well. I will try to attach some pictures of my 914 in action over the weekend.

First picture is of the parade laps where students play “follow the leader” to learn the correct line through the corners and guidelines for braking markers.

[don9146]

Don,

I didnt/couldnt read all of your postings... but was this the first time for you in the car on the track ??

Most people have NO clue what their 914's are capable of... you just experienced it.



B

It was my first time on the track, and you are right about "not knowing what the car is capable of." I don't think anyone at the track that day knew what the little Porsche was capable of (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) .
After just a few sessions I could #1 out-brake everyone and #2 out-handle everyone. The cars on the track at the same time as me included some Corvettes (and one Z06 as seen in one of the first picures), an Audi S6, a Mini Cooper S, and a Boxster S. I could also at least hang with everyone (except for the S6) on the front straight, mainly because I was exiting the long sweeper onto the straight at a much higher rate of speed than everyone else.
The car is set-up well, but it is still very "streetable." It has an upgraded suspension, a 200 hp six, and front 964 calipers with a T-fitting (note: brake balance was excellent).
With just one weekend on the track, I learned more about car control that I have since I got my driver's liscense. That is why I am stoked to get a purpose-built race car now and throw even more money away on another 914 and racing each weekend (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smilie_pokal.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif) .

Later,
Don